Provide capital, market development, R&D and business development and investment services to growth-oriented SMEs;

Use big data and digital technology to understand relationships between environment and agronomic practices with regard to plant yield and quality.

Medium term (5 to 8 years) Implementation of PIC strategic projects will result in

Development and synchronization of “in-field” data acquisition, algorithms and AI platforms to optimize environmental and agronomic practices for yield and protein quantity and quality from field through storage to processors and food companies, with associated hardware, software and interpretive expertise;

Increase in production and improvement of pulse, hemp, oats and flax-based protein ingredients, co-products and food products;

Development of novel processing technologies for extraction and separation of seed proteins and associated co-streams. These will be more efficient in use of water and energy, and will lead to a reduced carbon footprint and significantly improved ecological footprint of extraction media;

Development of innovative commercial partnerships and joint ventures with Indigenous communities and Indigenous development corporations to foster labour market attachment and address industry training requirements.

Longer term (7 to 10 years and beyond)Results of PIC strategy

Increased upstream manufacturing and processing of plant-based materials resulting in Canada becoming a market leader in ingredient and finished products;

Canadian leadership in development and licensing of novel processing technology platforms;

Canadian leadership in linking technology platforms through algorithms and AI to ensure data leads to sustainably optimized crop yields and increased protein quantity and quality. Furthermore, data will move seamlessly to processors and customers to optimize feedstock extraction efficiency;

Increased number of mature companies developing and selling digital technologies.

Protein trends:Increasing populationThe global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050, up 31%. China and India currently have the largest populations (1.4 and 1.3 billion respectively). By 2022, India’s population is expected to surpass that of China. Africa's population is projected to double to 2.4 billion by 2050. The demand for food is expected to increase between 59% and 98% by 2050. The ability to grow and access nutritious and sustainable food will be critical to ensure the health of future populations.

Middle class and affluenceBy 2020, the majority of the global population will be middle class. China has now surpassed the United States as leader in this category, with 109 million people considered middle class, 20% of the world population and nearly 10% of global wealth. Eastern Europe and Latin America are other regions expected to increase in affluence.The impact? A shift to more western-style diets: high in calories, more animal-based protein, and other resource intensive foods.

The millennial generation includes people born between 1981 and 1997, and accounts for 27% of the global population (2 billion people).Millennials are digital natives and engaged consumers, concerned with food provenance and 'clean' eating. They want to know how their food is produced. They are more likely than other generational segments to favour vegetarian or vegan foods. While convenience is important, millennials look for foods produced in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. They are adventurous and open to new products, ingredients and innovation. However, many face budgetary restrictions and are burdened by debt; therefore millennials tend to be price-sensitive and possess little brand loyalty.

Protein Industries Canada Cluster Strategy

​Key market drivers are creating significant new business and economic opportunities for Canada, including: